A Memorial Service was held Wednesday May 14th at the Glen Ray Goodman Unit in Jasper recognizing fallen correctional, officers from across the country in 2013.This service is done annually to recognize the professionalism and dedication of all staff in corrections departments across the country and to applaud their commitment to maintain security in our prisons. The officers recognized are an inspiration to us all and the courage they show in performing their day to day duties.

A total of 13 names were read during the Memorial Service honoring those officers who passed away during 2013. This year there were no names read from the State of Texas but covered many other states and Puerto Rico. A total of about 30 people were in attendance at the ceremony honoring these fallen officers.

The most moving part of the ceremony was the leading of a riderless horse led by Field Officer Elton Marshall. This custom of leading a riderless horse is a symbolic tribute to fallen officers. A pair of boots is reversed in the stirrups. This reversing of the boots is a practice that comes down to them from a timeless custom of reversing the order of things that is caused by the loss of life.

It was a Memorial Service that will be remembered and a great tribute to those officers that passed the prior year after servicing in our correctional facilities.